Report: IAEA has proof Syria built nuclear reactor

French news agency reports UN watchdog has evidence proving Syria was developing nuclear reactor. Report contradicts IAEA chief's speech, claiming agency has no evidence to suggest Syria had means for such an endeavor

Ynetnews|Published: 06.18.08 , 23:28

The website of the French news agency Le Monde reported that information originating in different countries other than the US and suggesting that Syria did
indeed build a nuclear reactor in Al Kibar, was handed over to the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) recently.

This report contradicts the most recent statement made by the UN's nuclear watchdog, in which it denied having any knowledge leading to the conclusion that Syria had the knowledge and means to build such a reactor.

According to the French report, the new information confirms earlier claims that North Korea had assisted Syria in its nuclear endeavors. This negates a speech made on Tuesday by IAEA Director General Mohammad ElBaradei, who said in an interview to Al Arabiya television that "we have no evidence that Syria has the human resources that would allow it to carry out a large nuclear program. We do not see Syria having nuclear fuel."

ElBaradei said previously that Syria had agreed to a June 22-24 inspection visit to examine the allegations. In the interview, he called on Damascus to cooperate with the IAEA inspectors.

Last week, parallel to the progress made during the indirect talks between Syria and Israel, sources reported that Syria was considering establishing a joint power company with Turkey, which may build nuclear reactors for peaceful purposes. The company would also search for oil resources in Turkey, Syria, and other countries.